Blue Stories Project - Queenstown

Blue Stories Project: Sharing Journeys Out of Perinatal Depression

Opening event: Sat 19 Nov, 3pm
Exhibition dates: 19 Nov - 16 Dec

In 2021, the Blue Stories Project was initiated in Whakatū Nelson by illustrator and designer, Karolina Gorton, and Perinatal Support Nelson, as an exhibition of portraits alongside inspiring and encouraging stories. In 2022, the Project is expanding its reach nationwide. Stories from Queenstown and the wider Otago community along with pop-art style portraits created by Karolina will be exhibited from the 19th of November to the 16th of December at Frankton Library. You are invited to come along and connect with these storytellers and the stories that so often remain untold. This exhibition has been created in association with Central Lakes Family Services (CLFS) and Frankton Library.

The Blue Stories Project’s Queenstown/ Otago coordinator, CLFS’s Lisa Gear, says of her work in the perinatal support sector that “We’re doing connecting work, creating a village sort of environment. This is quite uplifting work, it keeps you going.” All are welcome at the exhibition’s opening where there will be refreshments and family entertainment give-away packs on Saturday 19 November, 3pm, at Frankton Library, and at Support Sessions that will be held on Wednesdays, 23 & 30 November and 7 & 14 December at 11.30am-12.00pm. These sessions are an opportunity for people to get together with the team from Central Lakes Family Services to make connections with each other and the support services available.

“...a deeply moving and profound project...” - Rachel Sanson, Nelson City Councillor

“The PND project display stopped me in my tracks today. Ka rawe! Good to see PND in the spotlight, from a first person perspective.” - Rosamund Feeney, Community Programme Coordinator

Kaupapa
The Blue Stories Project supports activities that encourage rerekē mō te pai (change for the better) and te kotahitanga i roto i te kanorautanga (unity in diversity). This is a project that creates a culture of supporting ALL women and their families. It educates communities and normalises the topic of PND.

Ngā mihi nui
The Blue Stories Project has been created in conjunction with Perinatal Support Nelson and Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) and with support from the National Lottery Community Grants scheme. These seven organisations are involved in the project: Well Women Franklin, Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury, Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough, Central Lakes Family Services, True Colours - Honouring the Mother and Little Shadow.

What’s next?
Exhibitions in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Te Waiharakeke Blenheim and Tauranga, check the website for dates.

Want to find out more?
Head to www.bluestoriesproject.com to listen to interviews and to see the complete Blue Stories Project exhibition schedule.